SCIENTOLOGY NEWS RECAP: Leah Remini, Aaron Smith-Levin and Mike Rinder - Let's Discuss

In this engaging discussion, the host Natalie dives into the latest Scientology news and controversies, focusing on the recent developments involving Leah Remini, Aaron Smith-Levin, and Mike Rinder. She shares her insights on the importance of transparency within the community and the right of individuals to question and criticize. Natalie also addresses the tension between different factions, emphasizing the need for support and understanding. The conversation is filled with anecdotes from her own experiences, including her family's departure from Scientology and the impact it had on their lives. She encourages viewers to stay informed, make their own decisions, and continue to support the efforts to expose the truth about Scientology.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The host, Natalie, expresses gratitude to the audience and introduces the topic of discussing recent Scientology news and events.
• 📰 Leah Remini, Aaron Smith-Levin, and Mike Rinder are mentioned as key figures in the current discussions surrounding Scientology.
• 🌟 The host highlights her 35-year involvement with Scientology and her departure with three generations of her family.
• 🎶 The show discusses the YouTube show 'The Y Files' and its mention of Scientology, including the status of Shelly Miscavige.
• 🚫 The host trolls Jeff Pomerance, a longtime Scientologist known for his voice in propaganda events, for inviting people to a protest that apparently had low attendance.
• 🏠 An estate sale is mentioned for the late Kirstie Alley, featuring personal items including a bike and a gown worn in a Jenny Craig commercial.
• 📊 The host fills out a survey from the San Francisco Scientology center, providing sarcastic answers about her life dynamics and goals.
• 🎥 Clips are shown from various protests and interactions with current Scientologists, highlighting the diverse approaches and voices within the anti-Scientology movement.
• 🤝 The importance of supporting different creators and initiatives in the fight against Scientology is emphasized, regardless of personal disagreements.
• 💬 Discussion about the blocking of certain individuals on social media and the implications it has on community dynamics and communication.
• 👪 The host shares personal anecdotes, including the celebration of her father's life and her family's experiences with Scientology.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the video?

The main topic of discussion in the video is the recent news and events related to Scientology, with a focus on the individuals Leah Remini, Aaron Smith-Levin, and Mike Rinder, and their roles and actions within the context of Scientology criticism and activism.

Why is the host, Natalie, in Hawaii?

Natalie is in Hawaii to celebrate the life of her father with her family, as mentioned in the video.

What is the significance of the Y Files show mentioned in the transcript?

The Y Files is a YouTube show that the host, Natalie, enjoys watching. It is significant because it mentions Scientology and engages with topics related to the cult, which is relevant to Natalie's content and interests.

What is the host's opinion about the effectiveness of the protest called by Jeff Pomerance, a longtime Scientologist?

The host believes the protest was ineffective, as it did not gather the thousands of people that Jeff Pomerance had hoped for, and even he did not show up. The host suggests that better organization and communication might have led to a better turnout.

Why is there an estate sale for Kirsty Alley mentioned in the video?

Kirsty Alley, a former Scientologist and actress, passed away, and there is an estate sale for her belongings, which includes personal items and memorabilia that are of interest to her fans and collectors.

What is the host's view on the actions of the Church of Scientology in San Francisco?

The host is critical of the Church of Scientology's actions in San Francisco, particularly regarding their survey which she fills out on the video with sarcastic and critical responses, highlighting her negative experiences with the organization.

What does the host think about the decentralized nature of the anti-Scientology movement on YouTube?

The host appreciates the decentralized nature of the movement, as it allows for a variety of voices, styles, and focuses. She believes this diversity is beneficial and allows individuals to choose who they want to support.

Why does the host believe it's important to discuss disagreements and conflicts within the anti-Scientology community?

The host believes that discussing disagreements and conflicts is important for transparency and understanding. It allows community members to make informed decisions about who and what they choose to support.

What is the host's stance on Leah Remini's actions and statements regarding Scientology and its critics?

The host expresses disappointment in Leah Remini's actions, particularly her blocking of multiple people on Twitter and her apparent lack of support for certain aspects of the criticism against Scientology, such as the issue of child abuse within the organization.

How does the host feel about the potential for the anti-Scientology movement to become 'cultish'?

The host is against the idea of the movement becoming cult-like, emphasizing the importance of questioning, diversity of opinion, and the ability to agree to disagree. She promotes individual choice and freedom of thought within the community.

What is the host's opinion on the use of the term 'flying monkeys' to describe certain individuals within the anti-Scientology movement?

The host acknowledges that some people view certain actions within the movement as 'flying monkey' behavior, which is a term from 'The Wizard of Oz' used to describe those who do another's bidding without question. However, she also provides a balanced view, suggesting that people are entitled to their opinions and should be allowed to express them.

Outlines

00:00

🎉 Introduction and Channel Updates

The speaker, Natalie, warmly greets the audience, acknowledges the presence of channel members and mods, and sets the stage for the discussion. She mentions her 35 years in Scientology, her departure with her family, and her current activities, which include interviews with community members. She also provides a personal update about being in Hawaii to celebrate her father's life and addresses the importance of subscribing and engaging with the content through likes and notifications.

05:02

🚨 Scientology Protests and Recent News

Natalie discusses upcoming topics, which include Scientology protest news and other recent developments within the Scientology community. She teases an in-depth conversation about various figures associated with Scientology, including Aaron Smith-Levin, Mike Rinder, and Leah Remini, and mentions a plan to discuss these topics later in the podcast.

10:03

🎙️ Engaging with the Community and Other Creators

The speaker shares her enthusiasm for 'The Y Files' YouTube show, which occasionally covers Scientology, and expresses her excitement as a fan. She also addresses questions from the chat about the existence of Shelly Miscavige and the activities of Jeff Pomerance, a prominent voice in Scientology propaganda. Natalie engages with her audience by asking for their thoughts and encouraging participation.

15:03

🎈 Personal Anecdotes and Scientology Critique

Natalie recounts her experiences and perspectives as a former Scientologist, including her family's exit from the organization. She discusses the death of Kirsty Alley and an estate sale related to the actress. Natalie also comments on the state of Scientology in San Francisco, led by Aaron Cairo, and participates in a survey from the San Francisco Scientology organization as a form of protest.

20:04

📢 Addressing Scientology's Influence and Recent Activities

The speaker talks about various activities around Scientology, including the organization's setup for an event in Los Angeles, the reaction of the live streaming community to these activities, and the use of creative methods to protest against Scientology. Natalie also discusses the importance of supporting different voices and methods in the fight against Scientology.

25:05

🤔 Reflecting on Scientology's Internal Conflicts and Public Perception

Natalie provides her insights on the internal conflicts within the Scientology community, particularly focusing on the relationship between Leah Remini and Mike Rinder. She discusses the expectations of neutrality and the consequences of taking sides. The speaker also addresses the importance of transparency and the right to question and criticize within the anti-Scientology movement.

30:06

🌴 Live from Hawaii: Natalie's Current Activities and Future Plans

From Hawaii, Natalie shares her current activities, including celebrating her father's life and spending time with her family. She also talks about her plans for the day, which involve visiting significant locations from her past involvement with Scientology and attending a local recording artist's performance. Natalie expresses her appreciation for the community's support and encourages viewers to join her for potential live streaming events.

Keywords

Scientology

Scientology is a set of religious beliefs and practices that was developed in the early 1950s by L. Ron Hubbard. It has been a subject of controversy and criticism over the years. In the video, the speaker discusses various aspects of Scientology, including its practices and the experiences of those who have left the organization. It is central to the video's theme as the main topic of discussion.

Leah Remini

Leah Remini is an actress and former Scientologist who has become an outspoken critic of the Church of Scientology. She hosts the TV series 'Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,' where she explores stories of people who have left the Church. In the script, her name comes up in discussions about the experiences and public stances of high-profile ex-Scientologists.

Aaron Smith-Levin

Aaron Smith-Levin is a prominent figure in the movement against Scientology, known for his activism and YouTube channel where he discusses his experiences as a former member. The script references his interactions with other ex-members and his role in exposing certain practices of the Church of Scientology.

Mike Rinder

Mike Rinder is a former high-ranking official in the Church of Scientology who has become a critic after leaving the organization. He is often mentioned in discussions about the inner workings of Scientology and the experiences of those who have defected. In the video, his name is brought up in the context of his actions and the controversy surrounding him and other ex-members.

Aftermath Foundation

The Aftermath Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides support to victims of Scientology. It was co-founded by Leah Remini and Mike Rinder to aid individuals who have been harmed by the practices of the Church. The script discusses the foundation's role and the impact of its work, as well as recent controversies related to it.

Fair Game

In the context of Scientology, 'Fair Game' refers to a controversial policy whereby the Church is said to target and harass individuals it perceives as enemies. The term is used in the video to describe the alleged retaliation against critics of Scientology, highlighting the aggressive tactics the Church is accused of employing.

OSA Files

The OSA (Office of Special Affairs) Files are documents that are claimed to contain sensitive information about the Church of Scientology's practices and members. In the video, the speaker discusses the controversy surrounding these files, their acquisition, and the potential implications of their contents being made public.

Protest

The act of protesting is a recurring theme in the video, with discussions about public demonstrations against Scientology, the organization's response, and the impact of these protests on the movement against the Church. Protests are depicted as a form of free speech and a way for ex-members to voice their opposition.

Disconnection

Disconnection is a practice within Scientology that involves cutting off contact with family members or friends who are critical of the Church or have left it. The concept is mentioned in the script in relation to the experiences of those who have left Scientology and the challenges they face in maintaining relationships.

Ex-Scientologist

An ex-Scientologist refers to someone who was once a member of the Church of Scientology but has since left the organization. The video features discussions with and about ex-Scientologists, their reasons for leaving, and their efforts to expose what they perceive as the harmful practices of the Church.

Channel

In the context of the video, a 'channel' likely refers to a YouTube channel or similar online platform where content about Scientology and related activism is shared. The speaker discusses their own channel, interviews with other ex-members, and the importance of these channels in spreading awareness about Scientology.

Highlights

The host, Natalie, discusses the latest news buzzing around the internet about Scientology, including updates on Leah Remini, Aaron Smith-Levin, and Mike Rinder.

Natalie shares her personal experience with the Church of Scientology after leaving with three generations of her family.

The show touches on the recent protest news related to Scientology and the reactions from the community.

A discussion about the mysterious status of Shelly Miscavige, the wife of David Miscavige, who hasn't been seen in public for years.

Jeff Pomerance, a longtime Scientologist, is mentioned for his role in inviting people to a protest event, which apparently had poor attendance.

Kirstie Alley's estate sale is highlighted, with items like her bike and a gown she wore in a Jenny Craig commercial being auctioned off.

Aaron Cairo, the owner of a skateboarding company, is noted as the de facto leader of Scientology in San Francisco, despite his denials.

A survey from the San Francisco Scientology center is reviewed, with Natalie playfully filling it out and providing her feedback.

Natalie interviews Nancy Drew, a prominent anti-Scientology activist known for her protests and involvement in the community.

The use of live streaming and the internet to expose and protest against Scientology is discussed as a new and effective tool.

A clip from JDSA's stream at the Viper Room is shown, where the community comes together for a social event with a musical performance.

Natalie talks about the importance of supporting different creators and initiatives that aim to expose the abuses of Scientology.

The host shares her thoughts on the disagreements within the anti-Scientology community and the need for transparency and understanding.

A clip is played where Aaron Smith-Levin discusses how he obtained the OSA files and the controversy surrounding their release.

The conversation addresses the tension between ex-Scientologists and the approach they should take when dealing with information that could harm the Church.

Natalie emphasizes the right of content creators to choose what they support and communicate, as well as the audience's right to choose what they consume.

The host invites viewers to join her for a live stream later in the day as she visits significant Scientology locations in Hawaii.